Featured

Featured

The enduring legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain

In a career that spanned over six decades, Zakir Hussain worked with not just India’s musical stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also legends like George Harrison and Van Morrison.

2d ago

A day at Wangala festival with the Garo community

The grounds of Lalmatia Housing Society School and College came alive with the beats of drums and the colourful celebration of Wangala, the foremost festival of the Garo community. Known as the “Hundred Drums Festival,” Wangala is a time for the community to thank Misi Saljong, the Sun Deity, for a successful harvest. This festive celebration marks the end of the farming season and celebrates the blessings of nature.

1w ago

16 Days of Activism / Reclaiming the stories of women on screen

The frameworks of portrayals of gender-based violence in our local productions have been birthed from the need to give voice to the oppressed Biranganas (war heroines)—as portrayed through several films or dramas throughout the years.

1w ago

Electrifying, eclectic, EZ

The musician, renowned for his fluid, mellifluent solos and roaring riffs, was one of the core contributors to Artcell’s seminal albums “Onno Shomoy” and “Oniket Prantor”. After periodically releasing singles like “Fight Back”, “Shobdahoron”, and “Haranor Gaan”, he is now embarking on a new journey with his band EZ, composed of young and energetic musicians.

1w ago

Film Certification Board: Ambitious plans, lingering challenges

In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.

3w ago

Arnob back on the canvas

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.

1m ago

Serene Sarika

A spontaneous girl, who entered showbiz in 2006 as a model while still in school, quickly made her mark in the industry with grace and charm. Sarika Subrin, a household name for her roles in small-screen dramas, is now making waves on OTT platforms. She has also been the host of the longest-running celebrity show, “Amar Ami”, for four years now.

2m ago

Shawon flies high

Marking a decade in showbiz, Sayed Zaman Shawon has captivated audiences across television, OTT platforms, and the big screens. Known for his acclaimed roles in Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s “Brothers” series, Shihab Shaheen’s “August 14”, Ashfaque Nipun’s “Sabrina”, and Golam Sohrab Dodul’s “Mobaroknama”, Shawon’s adaptability shines through each project.

1m ago

Not ‘fair’ at all: Why are fair-skinned actors cast for dark-skinned characters?

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

9m ago

I’m respectful of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage: Badshah

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Badshah shared his insights and reflections on his recent trip to Bangladesh, shedding light on his experience and aspirations.

9m ago

Striking looks, melodious voice

After the massive success of "Baje Shobhab", Reehan Rasul has consistently delivered super hit tracks. From the enchanting melodies of "Rupkothar Jogote" to the heart-warming "Gaa Chuye Bolo", the artiste has solidified his presence in the world of showbiz. Most recently, his song "Shesh Chiti", featured in Mizanur Rahman Aryan’s short film "Booking", has generated buzz on social media.

10m ago

Grateful to have been honoured whilst still alive: Dolly Zahur

Recently, this veteran actress was honoured with the prestigious Ekushey Padak 2024, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Dolly Zahur graciously shared her reflections, and future aspirations with The Daily Star, along with some cherished personal anecdotes.

10m ago

We invented Bangla Rap: Mc Mugz

After studying from grades one to four in New York, Syed Mohammad Sohel came back to Bangladesh, carrying a distinct passion for rap in his heart. Aiming to accustom his people with the previously unknown craft, the boy reinvented himself over the years and became Mc Mugz, and went on to be part of two of the biggest rap crews in Bangladeshi history: Deshi MCs and Jalali Set. On the brink of releasing his first solo album, we catch up with the pioneer himself.

10m ago

Humayun Faridee: A decade without the virtuoso

Humayun Faridee, hailed as one of Bangladesh's cinematic legends, departed prematurely at the age of 60, leaving behind an everlasting legacy on the stages of theatre, the screens of television, and the reels of film.

10m ago

Prachyanat School to celebrate ‘Raktakarabi’s’ centenary with new production

Under the direction of Shawkat Hossain Sajib, the school will stage the play on Monday, January 29, at 7:00pm at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theatre Hall. Prachyanat, which is renowned for its socially and politically aware grand theatrical presentations, is going to stage the epic play as part of its biannual school productions.

10m ago

Stunning, sensuous, Sumi!

Marking her debut on the silver screen with Gias Uddin Selim’s “Paap Punno”, Shahnaz Sumi has continued to prove herself with projects like “Damal”, “Buker Moddhye Agun”, and “Mobaroknama”. The dancer-turned-actress dropped by The Daily Star for an exclusive photoshoot and some chit-chat.

11m ago

Suchitra Sen: How a girl from Pabna became South Asia’s biggest superstar

On her tenth death anniversary today, we remember Suchitra Sen, Bengal’s first female superstar, and a feminist in spirit, who took charge of her own fate and challenged the common norms that surround or define femininity.

11m ago

Ahmed Hasan Sunny: Singer, songwriter, rebel

Ahmed Hasan Sunny, a rising star in the music industry, has seen a rapid ascent to fame. Yet he holds steadfast to his artistic principles and personal identity, unruffled by the allure of fame or commercial success. He drops by The Daily Star’s studio for a brief chat.

11m ago